Scanning Workflow

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Scanning Workflow Process

Since 1989 Paradigm Imaging has provided large format scanning services for almost every application imaginable. From engineering documents, maps, renderings, fine art, photography, textiles and other types of large graphics and drawings.

This experience combined with an optimized scanning workflow process insures your project will proceed on a timely basis and result with the delivery of a high quality product. Paradigm Imaging also offer onsite scanning services.

Typical Workflow Process:
The scanning process actually covers a series of operations that both precede and follow the actual scanning of documents. Paradigm Imaging has developed a proven approach to organizing scanning tasks that has been used on numerous projects.

These processes range from categorization or sorting of documents, to scanning, image enhancement and quality control operations. The following is a typical workflow process that is used on engineering document scanning projects. Modifications are normally made to accommodate more specifically each projects unique requirements.

The standard workflow process usually involves six steps:

Steps	Description
Step I	Document Preparation
Step II	Catalog Documents into Master Log
Step III	Scanning of Documents
Step IV	Post Processing of Images
Step V	Indexing & Quality Checking
Step VI	Prepare Deliverables

Step I – Document Preparation: back to steps

Prior to scanning, the documents will be prepared by removing staples, ruberbands, paperclips, post-it notes and loose tape. Tears that present a potential problem with the document feeding through the scanner, will be repaired with clear tape.

Step II – Catalog Documents into Master Log back to steps

Documents will be assigned a control number for tracking purposes. An essential part of this step, is the inspection, grading and evaluation of document density, document quality, and the need for post scanning processing operations such as despeckle; deskew, crop, rotation, or other image enhancement processes. This enables quality control personnel to locate any document quickly if the scan quality or index information is questioned.

Not only will we establish the ability to completely track each document through the scanning process, but if the customer requires a document to be returned, we will be able to quickly retrieve the document and ensure that it is delivered promptly.

Step III - Scanning of Documents back to steps

Black and white documents are normally scanned at 300 to 400 DPI, with an appropriate scanning threshold set for each batch, using TIFF CCITT Group 4 Compression (other formats are available such as PDF). Sample documents will be pre-scanned to determine the best threshold setting.

Documents will be scanned using unique 2D-adaptive thresholding to enhance the quality of light images or images on an excessively dark background. With this technology, we can actually improve the clarity of the documents compensating for variations in contrast, discoloration, and fading.

For documents such as blueprints and sepias, or documents with image information on the front and back (some mylars), 2D-adaptive thresholding improves the quality of the final image. When scanning using adaptive thresholding, at each point on the document the scanner looks at the surrounding points to determine if this point should be black or white. This allows the threshold to adjust continuously for variations in image and background contrast.

Documents containing grayscale information, or black and white documents of very poor quality are normally scanned at 200 DPI, with an appropriate contrast and brightness setting using JPEG (other formats are available) with a 75 compression setting in 256 grayscale format.

Documents that contain color, are normally scanned at 200 DPI, with an appropriate contrast and brightness setting using JPEG (other formats are available) with a 75 compression setting in RGB format. Indexed color scanning is available on documents containing limited color information

Step IV - Post Processing of Images back to steps

Once the documents have been scanned, they will be processed using VB-Clean to improve the image quality for viewing and printing. Post processing will include:

	Rotation - To properly orient the image.
	Auto-Cropping - To remove excess data around the edge of the image and reduce file size
	Auto-Despeckling - To remove insignificant specks on the drawing, usually caused by background haze. This will also reduce the file size.
	Auto-Deskewing - To align the image horizontally in the file so it appears to be squarely oriented on the computer screen.

Step VI - Indexing & Quality Checking (100% Quality Checking) back to steps

After the final stages of the post processing, the images will be indexed and inspected for overall quality. VB-Index is used to facilitate the capture of pertinent document information that will be used to locate the document in a Document Management application. In addition, VB-Index is used to verify image quality. If necessary, the document will be rescanned or extra processing will be performed to improve the quality of the image.

Step VI – Prepare Deliverables back to steps

Finally, the image files will be stored on the required media or transferred via FTP to the client. Index information will also be supplied in a delimited or other required data format.